Strawberry Bush – Euonymus americanus | Native Shade Shrub with Fall Color & Ornamental Fruit | Hand Picked Nursery

Product Description

Bring native beauty and seasonal color to your garden with the Strawberry Bush (Euonymus americanus), a distinctive deciduous shrub admired for its brilliant fall fruit and foliage. Also known as Hearts-a-Bustin’ or Bursting Heart, this eastern U.S. native features greenish-white flowers in spring followed by bright pink-red seed capsules that split open in fall to reveal vivid orange seeds—resembling strawberries, hence the name.

Ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or naturalized landscapes, Strawberry Bush grows 3–6 feet tall and wide with an airy, multi-stemmed form. In autumn, its foliage transforms into shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating a stunning seasonal display. It’s a pollinator- and bird-friendly species, adding habitat and visual interest to any garden.

Product Features

• Native to the Eastern U.S.: Thrives in woodlands, stream banks, and shaded gardens.
• Unique Ornamental Fruit: Bright pink-red capsules open to reveal orange seeds in fall.
• Beautiful Fall Foliage: Leaves turn warm tones of yellow, orange, and red.
• Wildlife Friendly: Attracts pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.
• Shade-Loving & Adaptable: Grows well in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soil.
• Low Maintenance: Minimal pruning and fertilization required.
• Cold Hardy: Performs reliably in USDA Zones 5–9.

Planting & Care Instructions

1. Choose a Location:
Select a partially shaded to fully shaded area. Strawberry Bush tolerates some sun but blooms and colors best in partial shade.

2. Prepare the Soil:
Amend the planting area with compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–7.0).

3. Planting:

• Best planted in early spring or fall when the soil is cool and moist.
• Dig a hole slightly wider than the root system and just as deep.
• Place the shrub so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
• Backfill, press gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly.

4. Spacing:
Plant 3–6 feet apart to allow for natural spreading and airflow.

5. Watering & Mulching:
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.

6. Pruning:
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or crossing branches. This shrub naturally maintains a tidy shape.

7. Fertilizing:
Fertilizer is rarely needed. If growth slows, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Euonymus americanus
• Common Names: Strawberry Bush, Hearts-a-Bustin’, Bursting Heart
• Height & Spread: 3–6 ft tall × 3–6 ft wide
• Light Requirements: Partial to full shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Foliage Color: Green turning red, orange, or yellow in fall
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9

Customer Guarantee

All bareroot plants are hand-inspected and packaged with care before shipping to ensure strong root systems and successful establishment. If you have any questions or concerns upon arrival, our team is here to help every step of the way.